He wondered why the Russians were all 'simple' and so rich, and why they were educated, and yet knew nothing.

He pondered on these questions and also considered what he might get out of Olenin.
Daddy Eroshka's hut was of a good size and not old, but the absence of a woman was very noticeable in it.

Contrary to the usual cleanliness of the Cossacks, the whole of this hut was filthy and exceedingly untidy.
A blood-stained coat had been thrown on the table, half a dough-cake lay beside a plucked and mangled crow with which to feed the hawk.
Sandals of raw hide, a gun, a dagger, a little bag, wet clothes, and sundry rags lay scattered on the benches.

In a corner stood a tub with stinking water, in which another pair of sandals were being steeped, and near by was a gun and a hunting-screen.

On the floor a net had been thrown down and several dead pheasants lay there, while a hen tied by its leg was walking about near the table pecking among the dirt.